ARSENAL have suffered a setback in their pursuit of Shakhtar Donestk star Mykhaylo Mudryk as Newcastle have emerged as rival bidders, according to reports.
The Gunners have been interested in the Ukrainian star but reportedly pulled out of a deal in the summer due to the high fee Shakhtar were demanding.
Despite reports also suggesting Mudryk had agreed personal terms with Arsenal – the transfer was not completed.
And now Newcastle want to hijack a deal claim Football Insider.
Manager Eddie Howe has supposedly given the green light to the signing that could be worth £26million.
The Magpies want to bolster their attacking options to support new big money signing Alexander Isak,.
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Mudryk is a winger and the 21-year-old has netted two goals in the Champions League this season.
He has been dubbed as Ukraine’s answer to Neymar.
Overall, he has netted four times for Shakhtar and assisted 12 goals in 42 appearances.
The player has previously expressed his willingness to join Arsenal but mega-rich Newcastle seem happier to meet Shakhtar’s demands.
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Brentford and Everton have also been interested in him in the past.
Arsenal could be active in the transfer market come January as they may also look to seal the signing of Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa after seeing a deadline day bid rejected over the summer.
Mikel Arteta’s side are back in action tomorrow as they face fellow Mudryk suitors Brentford.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
